Ambassadors
We are so grateful to our amazing Ambassadors who have stepped up to suppor the Big Red Roll + Stroll and wider neuromuscular conditions community. Get to know them a little better here!
James Dunstan - 'I have MD' Community Ambassador
"My name is James Dunstan and I am a 58 y/o male living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA Type 2/3) and was first diagnosed around the age of 4.
I am very passionate about my work and has made an established career as a Project Manager with my own business working with Transport NSW on their road and rail projects providing project management services.
Outside of work, and after having recently received my first power chair, my passion is to get out into the community and do the thing that I haven’t done for many years.
Currently I am receiving a proposed treatment drug, Nusinersen “Spinraza”, which involves having an injection into my spine which I receive every 4 months, my expectations are that it will help me maintain my current muscle tone and stop/slow down further muscle wastage.
I have a great NDIS support package, which provides me with daily personal care, in- house domestic services and assistance with community access which all helps to take the pressure off my two daughters Emma (23) and Rachael (20) who both currently live with me along with Meg our little terrier dog, plus I do also have support from my ex-wife if required.
I am looking forward to the Big Red Roll + stroll to be about to meet other people with Neuromuscular conditions and to learn about their experiences in life and to also share my own.
My motto in life is “Life’s too short to have negative thoughts, live everyday as it is".”
Scott Green - 'I have MD' Community Ambassador
"My name is Scott Green, I’m 21 and I completed the Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management a few years ago at TAFE. I’ve travelled to many places including America, New Zealand and Melbourne. I hope to one day to have a job in a Travel Agency specialising in disability travel.
My interests are cooking, gardening, traveling and collecting anything to do with tea drinking. I also enjoy a great 70’s or 80’s song as anyone who has been to camp would know. I am looking forward to moving into my own place for the first time in a few months. The independence will be really exciting.
I've been involved in a lot of Muscular Dystrophy NSW's programs, including Summer Camp 5 times, Adventure Camp twice, participated in the CARS trial, completed both my Bronze and Silver Duke of Ed awards and I'm about to head to my third Young Adults Weekend.
I've met most of my closest friends through these programs and I'm looking forward to catching up with all the people I know at the Big Red Roll + Stroll. I really enjoy being out and about in my community so I can raise awareness for people living with neuromuscular conditions and to help people with all disabilities to be included as much as possible."
Check out a short film made about Scott a few years ago here.
Carolyn Campbell-McLean - 'In Memoriam' Community Ambassador
“I love being part of the MDNSW community, building awareness of neuromuscular conditions and ensuring the rights of people with disabilities are upheld. I’m a social worker by training and get to do all these things in my role as the Peer Connect Coordinator at MDNSW. I have lived with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) for 47 years, and love connecting with my fellow SMArties for support, fellowship and fun!
Another special reason I have chosen to be an Ambassador for the Big Red Roll & Stroll, is that is a lovely way to pay tribute to my late husband Danny who lived with Duchenne MD. I will be dedicating my roll ‘In Memoriam’ to Danny and to all my friends with NMCs I have lost over the years."
Roisin O'Hagan - 'Supporting a loved one with neuromuscular condition' Community Ambassador
“Following my son’s diagnosis, I went looking for answers on how I could get involved in raising awareness and funds for research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In 2012, I came across a bike ride organised by Muscular Dystrophy NSW which my sister, sister-in-law and I signed up for that year and the following 5 years.
I met members of the MDNSW community and learn about programs such as the camps for kids with muscular dystrophy, neuromuscular information days and events for parents. This provided my son Patrick and I, a place where we were understood and heard.
I hope my story and connection with MDNSW may encourage those families, living with a family member with muscular dystrophy, who haven’t connected or would like to connect with MDNSW to take the opportunity to become part of the MDNSW community.
It’s important to me to be a part of a community that understands and supports families and those living with neuromuscular conditions with events and programs. The Big Red Roll and Stroll provides the opportunity for MDNSW members like me to advocate and raise awareness for the community that supports them.”
Shannan Ponton
Australia's most successful trainer for The Biggest Loser Australia
"I’m proud to be an ambassador for the Big Red Roll + Stroll and support the work of Muscular Dystrophy NSW and all they do to support people living with neuromuscular conditions.
Muscular Dystrophy is a terrible degenerative disease which can severely impact or prevent people from doing everyday things that most of us take for granted. It’s especially devastating for kids that live with it. Muscular Dystrophy NSW do an incredible job in supporting people of all ages and in particular provide a great community for kids with Muscular Dystrophy by providing them with a range of activities that they can do!"
Shannan has previously been an Ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy NSW's most important fundraising challenge, Sugar Free September in 2015 and again in 2020. We so appreciate Shannan's long standing support and commitment to the muscular dystrophy community.
Botille "Bo" Vette-Welsh
Rugby League footballer for the Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers
Bo is passionate about giving back to others and being a good role model for youngsters. She says,
"I try to use my voice and my platform to give back to the community, so am honoured to be raising awareness for the 7,500 aussies here in NSW living with the devastating impacts of muscular dystrophy."
She is excited to be an Ambassador for the Big Red Roll + Stroll and to meet and share some laughs with members of the muscular dystrophy community on the day, after her morning game.
Thank you Bo for your support and lending your voice to our community!
